Update from Linda Gilroy MP 26 June 2009
Posted by Linda Gilroy, MP for Plymouth, Sutton, at 09:23, Fri 26 June 2009:
Thought for the Week
I have campaigned about our unfair water charges in Devon and Cornwall since 1989 and the botched water privatisation. The Walker Review of Water Metering & Charging is set to release its interim findings next week. I have engaged with the Inquiry on several occasions not least by bringing Anna Walker to Plymouth to see for herself the problems that high water bills have brought to customers in the South West.
I have argued that sewerage works - such as the ones that cleaned up the South West beaches and cost the South West charge payers billions – should be regarded as a “public good” and the costs shared by all regions.
This (or some variation on the theme of recognising our unfair charges) could result in large reductions in the bills we face in Plymouth, Devon & Cornwall. In Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday I reminded the Prime Minister of the pain that high water bills can cause and I asked him to meet with a delegation to discuss how we may put the Walker Review into action.
At 2:30pm today (Friday) I will be delivering a speech in the House of Commons that outlines what I believe and hope the Walker Review should recommend - you can watch it either live or after the event via the Parliament website - http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Home.aspx
My week at a glance
Speaker Bercow
On Monday the House of Commons elected John Bercow as Speaker. All the candidates had particular strengths and weakness, which ensured some excellent speeches, but John Bercow has the commitment to reform that we need and we should now unite behind him. I also feel an honourable mention should go to Parmjit Dhanda, MP from Gloucester, who not only reminded us in his speech of just how much work we have to do to reconnect with the public (or as he so directly put it "to let them know we get it") but also suggested some innovative ways of doing so.
South West Committee
Yesterday I voted for the South West to have a Grand Committee - which would be open to all MP's to hold the Government to account - and in particular the South West Minster and Assistant Minister (that's me!) - so hair shirts to the fore! I anticipate we will be holding a meeting of the Grand Committee somewhere in our region in the next few months.
Marine Bill
On Tuesday the Marine & Coastal Access Bill had its second reading in the House of Commons. Measures in the Bill include reforms to fisheries management, the establishment of marine conservation zones, the creation of a walkable route around the English coast and the setting up a new Marine Management Organisation. Last year I sat on the committee that scrutinised the draft Bill and I have this week been appointed to the Committee that will consider amendments to the full bill - 30+ hours of sittings over the next three weeks!
There are some really complex and interesting issues to get to grips with - for instance, finding the right balance between conservation and commercial activities like fishing or how to deal with private gardens and parks when establishing coastal paths. Our seas and oceans are so very important – for wildlife, for trade, for recreation, for energy and defence. That is why this Bill is so relevant. Marine Industries are forming an increasingly important part of Plymouth’s economy too - the recent news that Princess Yachts are expanding into the South Yard in Devonport is a good example of this.
Arrythmia Awareness
A number of constituents have contacted me following Arrythmia Awareness Week early this month. The Arrhythmia Alliance have launched a 'Know Your Pulse' campaign which aims to encourage and educate people about knowing their pulse and getting regular pulse checks to promote timely diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias (heart rhythm disorders). You can find out more at www.knowyourpulse.org
A Busy Weekend
I am looking forward to attending Plymouth's Armed Forces & Veterans Day events this weekend. Sunday will also see a service to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Allied Air Forces Monument on Plymouth Hoe - a subject that I explored in a recent Parliamentary speech. Then on Sunday evening I will be a key note speaker at a reception at the University which will welcome representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA) and National Aeronautical Space Administration (NASA) who are in the Plymouth for a bilateral meeting. This week saw the launch of the Space Innovation & Growth Team tasked with defining a 20-year vision for Space in the UK. I would love to see Plymouth ake leading role in supporting the UK Space Programme. I don't think many people realise the level of cutting edge research which is already happening in Plymouth - from robotics and genetics to marine science.
Looking ahead
Next Monday I will be chairing the South West Regional Economic Task Group for the first time in my new role as Assistant Regional Minister. The Committee will target specific issues facing the region during the economic downturn including employment, housing, support for business and means of 'green' recovery.
On Wednesday morning I will be serving on the committee stage of Andrew Dismore MP's private Member's bill on Damages (Asbestos Related Conditions)and later that day I am looking forward to welcoming a delegation from 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines to Parliament for a reception to mark their return from Afghanistan.
Best wishes Linda Gilroy
P.S. Three hundred people have now signed the Save Citybus petition on the Number 10 website - have you? http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/PlymouthCityBus/
Comments
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Posted by Liam Brennan, 13:54, Fri 26 June 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
The water charges are a very laudable goal, but what about the old age pension. If we were paid an appropriate ammount in line with the rest of the developed world, the water charges would be negligible. You'r quick enough to vote yourselves an increase in pension and payments, not this time I note. waiting for the election then if you win you can always back date it. Your speaker is as bad as the last one, so no change there just another thief to hide the rest of your party's dishonesty. We will never forget. As the man said politicians and baby's nappies should be changed regularly, for much the same reason.